Brooks J Martin Releases New Single "Clear Blue Waters"

With the release of new single "Clear Blue Waters", Brooks J Martin has unveiled a deeply evocative folk song that feels both timeless and strikingly relevant.

The Cedar Falls based singer-songwriter continues his journey of artistic authenticity with a track that balances lush symphonic textures and intimate storytelling.

Listen to "Clear Blue Waters" here:

https://open.spotify.com/album/2Asxqh2Rz5DdhHNx21XXD

Martin’s career has spanned decades, from his work with Toast and The Blue Danes to his solo projects under the alias Frank Hansen.

Now, in his self-titled era, he delivers music that feels stripped of artifice, and infused with poeticsm, offering a profound look at life’s ebb and flow.

“I’ve reached a point where I’m ready to drop the facade,” Martin has said about his recent work, and "Clear Blue Waters" is a testament to that sentiment.

The single opens with a delicate melody that unfurls like waves lapping against the shore. There is a certain cinematic quality to the arrangement - layers of acoustic guitar, subtle percussion, and sweeping strings building a soundscape that recalls the grandeur of Brian Wilson’s work while staying grounded in folk traditions.

But, at its core, the song leans on the melodies that harken back to the golden era of Woody Guthrie and Neil Young.

Martin's approach with the lyrics remains consistent with his signature style - abstract and poetic, yet prioritizing mood over narrative. The imagery of water and tides throughout the song evokes a sense of constancy amid change, an allegory for life's constant renewal and the resilience required to face it.

The maturity of Martin's vocals shines through here. His voice is weathered, yet warm, and carries the weight of someone who has lived experience. It's the sound of an artist who has nothing left to prove, choosing instead to create music that speaks from the soul.

The production is another standout element, and elevates the song's folk roots without overshadowing its emotional core. Layered instrumentation feels intentional and restrained, giving the track a symphonic grandeur that enhances its reflective themes.

There is a sense of stillness in the arrangement. A quiet power that invited the listener to pause and absorb its beauty.

"Clear Blue Waters" also holds a particular poignancy as Martin has hinted this chapter of his career may be his last:

“It would be hard to top this album, and I don’t know how many albums I have left in me. This might be it,” he shared recently.

The comparisons to Neil Young are inevitable, not only for the song’s folk roots but for its willingness to expand the boundaries of the folk genre.

Like Young, Martin writes songs that are deceptively simple but layered with emotion and meaning. The melody of Clear Blue Waters feels instantly familiar, as if it’s always existed, waiting for the right moment to be brought to life.

But it is the decision to release this track under his own name that adds a true layer of poignancy. In doing so, Martin is not only presenting his music but also himself , a bold move for an artist whose career has been defined by reinvention.

If "Clear Blue Waters" is any indication of what’s to come on his forthcoming self-titled album, it’s clear that Martin is intent on leaving an indelible mark with his final artistic statement.

As Martin steps further into his most authentic self, he offers listeners a glimpse of the universal through his deeply personal lens. "Clear Blue Waters" is an invitation to reflect, to feel, and to find solace in the constancy of life's tides.

Find out more about Brooks J Martin on his Website.